Granit Xhaka is set to join Sunderland in a £13million move from Bayer Leverkusen despite Erik ten Hag’s efforts to block it. The former Arsenal midfielder has been in talks with the Black

TBR Football understands Granit Xhaka will become the highest-paid player in Sunderland’s history. Xhaka has agreed a three-year deal at the Stadium of Light and will not take a wage drop from his Bayer Leverkusen deal.

Yet another former Arsenal player could make a surprise transfer back to the Premier League following Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsdale. Mikel Arteta has been busy this summer spending just shy of £200million on six new players, including Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke.

Jeremie Frimpong and Emi Martinez have reacted to a message from Granit Xhaka as he edges ever closer to joining Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen.

Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly ready to let Granit Xhaka go - provided their valuation is met. According to Bild, Die Werkself are prepared to let the Swiss international join Sunderland for a fee of €20 million, including bonuses.

Leeds star Kalvin Phillips is “a better midfielder than Granit Xhaka”, says Noel Whelan, while Whites loanee Ben White is another who would “walk into the Arsenal team”.